Biography
Matti Pellonpää (28 March 1951 – 13 July 1995) was a Finnish actor and musician. He appeared in numerous films by Aki Kaurismäki and Mika Kaurismäki, including 18 of Aki's productions. His credits include the role of Mikkonen in Ariel (1988), Nikander in Shadows in Paradise (1986) and Crime and Punishment (1983), Vladimir in Leningrad Cowboys Go America (1989), Rodolfo in La Vie de Bohème (1992), and Mika in Jim Jarmusch's Night on Earth (1991).
Pellonpää began his career in 1962 as a radio actor with the Finnish broadcaster YLE. He performed in amateur theatres during the 1970s while studying at the Finnish Theatre Academy, graduating in 1977. He also fronted the band Peltsix from 1989 until his death. In 1992 he received the Felix award for Best Actor at the European Film Awards for his performance in La Vie de Bohème.
